Whether it is mobile hot spots, e-readers, STEM kits, programming kits, or a Library of Things, Plymouth Rocket offers two software solutions to help manage special item collections.
Our museum pass software TixKeeper, and our book club software KitKeeper, can both manage special collections for you. There are benefits to using TixKeeper or KitKeeper based on what you need. Both programs can track reservations, send confirmations to patrons, and maintain usage statistics. Patrons can reserve items in advance while the staff can keep track of past, present, and future reservations. Both solutions provide detailed information about the devices and resources as well as availability, plus staff-only collections that can only be reserved and used by staff members.
Feature | TixKeeper | KitKeeper |
Patrons can book in advance | Yes | Yes |
Limit number of item reservations and check-outs | Yes | Yes |
Add library barcode authentication and rules | Yes | Yes |
Limit reservations during a window of days | Yes | No |
Set days the library is closed for item pickup | Yes | No |
Buffer days allowing items to be shipped between libraries | No | Yes |
Block out same-day pickup | No | Yes |
Include images and videos in descriptions | No | Yes |
Staff-only collections that don't display to the public | No | Yes |
When to use TixKeeper for resource management:
Collections with shorter check-out periods (often due the same day) or as long as several weeks.
On-the-fly checkouts or short reservation periods. Devices can be checked out for one day and returned the next in TixKeeper.
Items that patrons pick up from the same location they are stored. There are no built-in buffer days in TixKeeper.
Users interested in a mobile-friendly platform. TixKeeper is responsive and looks great on various mobile devices.
Here are some examples of libraries using TixKeeper for resource management:
When to use KitKeeper for resource management:
Collections with checkout periods longer than a week.
Items that travel from one branch to another for checkout. KitKeeper has a built-in system for allowing time for transit between branches.
Collections that include devices, programming kits, as well as book clubs, which are bags with several copies of the same title for book club users.
Staff-only collections only accessible and seen by staff members. TixKeeper can also have staff-only collections, but patrons will be able to see that they exist.
Here are some examples of libraries using KitKeeper for resource management:
Looking for a simpler way to do resource management? Let us know how Plymouth Rocket can help today.